Groups seek deeper probe into Manila Bay's beach nourishment' initiative

At least 10 environmental and cause-oriented groups on Wednesday called for an investigation into the controversial “beach nourishment” project at a portion of Manila Bay’s shoreline. The call for the probe was contained in a position paper sent to Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Eduardo Gongona, and the Senate and House of Representatives, in the exercise of their oversight powers and the Office of the Ombudsman. The group also prodded Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Manila and Chairman Rene Escalante of the National Historical Commission (NHC) to investigate the violations committed by the proponents of the project.